The Importance of Communication in Construction

Communication is the foundation of any successful build – without it, any project is set to crumble. From the very initial stages of a residential build, it’s essential that the builder, client and building designer/architect establish open lines of communication to avoid issues down the line. 

Here are some of the key ways to enable and encourage communication throughout your build, resulting in a seamless and stress-free project. 

Early involvement 

There’s no point hosting a meeting without a key decision maker, so why would you start on a building project without a builder? Builders should be involved from the initial design stages of a project, so they can advise on practical and functional design features. They can also run probable cost estimates to ensure the design is within budget, reducing the risk of any financial surprises down the line. 

Clear expectations

It’s essential that you, as the client, are clear on your budget from the very outset. Designers/architects and builders will work to the number we’ve been given, so if suddenly, figures change, this can cause delays, re-designs and may result in your new home being compromised. As builders, we allow for flexibility and can always make small adjustments, but it’s important that we know what we’re working with from the outset. 

Collaboration

The designer or architect’s work is not done with the submission of plans. As the builder gets to work bringing them to life, it’s essential that they are on hand to discuss any elements that may have worked in the plans but need tweaking during construction. When choosing your design partner, make sure to establish this expectation from the outset – that way, they’ll know they need to be available throughout the entire build and not just the initial stages. 

Establish your preferred methods

It’s not just verbal communication that’s important during a build – pictures, emails or an online client portal are equally as necessary to ensure all parties are kept up to date. However, to avoid crossed wires, make sure you chat to your builder about creating a central database where all records will be held – whether this be a Google Drive, Dropbox or an online portal. Establish what your preferred first-point-of-call communication method will be (for example, email, texting or calling) and how often you’ll be expecting updates. This way, every party knows what to expect from the very beginning. 

Documentation 

Having a clear record of all paperwork is essential to any successful build, providing the basis for all other communication. Make sure your builder and architect supplies copies of the contract documents (including drawings, specifications and certificates) and that any variations are discussed and noted in writing. Having everything in one place will also make it easier to hand over at the end of the project. 

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If you’re ready to build an architectural custom home with a collaborative and transparent builder on the South Coast, get in touch with Smartbuild South Coast today.